“These things I have spoken unto you, that in me ye might have peace. In the world ye shall have tribulation: but be of good cheer, I have overcome the world.” John 16:33. Oftentimes during the Christmas season, I meditate on the reason Jesus came to earth, more often than focusing on how He came. I love the birth story of Jesus; it is a powerful prophecy that was fulfilled. However, I try to reflect on Jesus’ purpose for robing Himself in flesh to dwell among us (John 1:1, 2, 14). He came to save His people from their sins, to bring peace in the midst of tribulation, to heal, deliver, and to redeem. People Need Jesus When I read the paper, watch the news, drive down the highway, or just walk around the grocery store, my heart cries out over a brokenhearted people. I look in to empty eyes, full of sorrow and pain. I can sometimes feel their shame as I talk with them. I’m overwhelmed at the state of our world, people need Jesus. Now, more than ever, we have a message of hope. We are heralds of the great gospel of Jesus Christ. We can impart…

“And she brought forth her firstborn Son, and wrapped Him in swaddling cloths, and laid Him in a manger, because there was no room for them in the inn.” (Luke 2:7, NKJV) Christmas. Just the word brings wonderful images to our minds—decorations, lights, shopping, family, celebrations, gifts, carols. Cookie-baking marathons fill the air with mouth-watering aromas. Wrapping paper and bows, the “Ho, Ho, Ho’s” of a mall Santa, special foods, airline tickets, and the sentimental sounds of “White Christmas” all add to the excitement of the season. Oh, yes, and a baby in a manger—we can’t forget that. Christmas has become a secular holiday celebrated around the world, even in non-Christian countries. Regardless of where one may travel, some familiar sights may be seen. Elaborate decorations, friends enjoying time together, and red-clad Santas blend with ethnic foods and fireworks to mark the occasion. Even in North America, where we consider the majority as Christian, the secular has crowded out the sacred. As one person described it, “Today the Christian aspect is secondary to most people. Christmas is all about the family and traditions.” Christmas is also about money. The amount spent on gifts, decorations, and holiday entertaining reaches into the…

And behold, there was a man in Jerusalem whose name was Simeon, and this man was just and devout, waiting for the Consolation of Israel, and the Holy Spirit was upon him . . .  And coming in that instant she [Anna] gave thanks to the Lord, and spoke of Him to all those who looked for redemption in Jerusalem. (Luke 2:25 and 38, NKJV) Christmas is a season of longing, hope, and expectation. For some, it is only a time of parties and gift-giving. The true miracle of the season, however, goes back to a distant time and place when one baby changed everything. Four hundred years had passed since the prophet Malachi wrote his last words. And then there was silence. No prophet spoke, and many in Israel forgot what had been written earlier. Since their return from Babylon, the Israelites no longer worshiped idols, but many were spiritually empty. The rituals of Temple worship continued, but the people did not honor God or respond to His Word as they should. Politically the land was ruled by Rome. Into this world, a baby—a miracle child—was born. Hundreds of Old Testament prophecies were wrapped in that one tiny form. Sadly,…

“And in the same region there were shepherds out in the field, keeping watch over their flock by night . . . And the angel said to them, “Fear not, for behold, I bring you good news of great joy that will be for all the people . . . And they went with haste and found Mary and Joseph, and the baby lying in a manger.” (Luke 2:8, 10, and 16 ESV) If your church has ever had a children’s Christmas play, it no doubt had some cute little shepherd boys standing around the manger near baby Jesus. After all, God chose a group of shepherds on a hillside to hear the angel’s joyful birth announcement. Shepherds were the first to hear the news and the first to visit the Christ child. They are a beloved part of the Christmas story. Why shepherds, you may ask? Shouldn’t the angel’s announcement have first been made to the religious leaders? Or perhaps the town mayor and a few business leaders could have been informed about this important event and invited to come. Instead, God chose shepherds, men smelling of the outdoors and sheep. It seems very fitting to me that shepherds…